Those in attendance were greeted by large display boards detailing the process and maps of the area to be developed, produced by New Vision Homes.

Many tenants face the possibility of being moved out if their property is chosen for demolition, causing concern among many long-term Sheerwater families.

Reema and Resham Gauchan, who live in Wakehurst Path, were not against the plan but did not want to see their house included and were concerned about moving their two children away from schools.

'Redevelopment needed'

Mrs Gauchan said: “The plan is good, we’re not against the plan to develop but the designated area could be better.

"We are settled here and don’t want to move.”

May Hooks has lived in Sheerwater for almost 50 years.

She said: “I am happy here, we have good neighbours and have no trouble but it needs to be brought back to what it used to be.”

Margaret Gower, of Devonshire Avenue, has lived in the area for 40 years and was concerned about where the displaced people would be moved to.

She said: “I think we do need to redevelop the area, when it was built it was a wonderful thing.

“The biggest problem is what will happen to those people if we send them off to wherever? A lot of people rely on neighbours for their support.

“It is really very worrying for everybody – they do not know if they are going to have their homes knocked down.”

Trevor Crook, of Dartmouth Avenue, was not convinced some of the improvements such as the leisure centre were needed, given the recent investment and proximity to Woking Leisure Centre and Pool in the Park.

Mr Crook added: “We will see what impact we have. There is nothing really here to say ‘we are putting this there and that there’.

“I would like to know what the houses look like.”

A new surgery and health centre also form part of the initial ‘vision.’

'Better accommodation, better health'

Dr Munira Mohamed has been a GP at Sheerwater Health Centre for 14 years.

She said: “Is the health centre going to be replaced? I want to know how soon it is going to happen because we are so short of space.

"I think the project is going to have a positive impact on patients. If accommodation is better, health is better.”

Lauren Dodson, of Albert Drive, said she had given suggestions to New Vision Homes on how best to satisfy the needs of residents, such as safe play areas and elderly housing zones.

She said: “It needs to be tailored to suit everybody’s needs. I am for progress without a doubt, but not to the detriment of people who live on the estate.”

Residents were able to put their names down and sign up to be part of the Sheerwater Steering Group.

New Vision Homes will create a team consisting of a cross section of the community to hold further meetings during the two-year ‘masterplanning’ phase.

Chris Le May, project director for New Vision Homes, said: “I have not seen such great interest so quickly before.

"The scheme has so far been received positively. People have got a lot of questions.”